Dorothy Arnold Waite, 83, of Waukesha, died Wednesday, April 11, 2007,
at LindenGrove in Waukesha. Dorothy "Dot" was born to Remmie L.
and Charlia Arnold on Dec. 1, 1923.

Dot grew up in Petersburg, Va., where she formed lifelong friendships
and a fierce loyalty to her southern roots, connections that stayed with
her forever. She attended Sweetbriar College in the early 1940s. It was at
this time that she met Robert Waite (Bob), who was stationed at Fort Lee,
Va.

After their marriage on April 15, 1944, they remained in Petersburg for
several years, raising their three sons, Robin, Steve and Rick. In 1956,
the family moved to Waukesha. With an always willing and cheerful spirit,
Dot began her legacy of community service by becoming a member of the
Waukesha Service Club, which raises funds in support of Waukesha Memorial
Hospital and numerous other local agencies. She volunteered her time in
that organization for 25 years, in many capacities, including a year as
its president (1971-1972). She then joined the Senior League, an auxiliary
of the Service Club, and continued making contributions of time and energy
for another 20 years.

She was an active, well-recognized member of St. Matthias Episcopal
Church, filling a leadership role as director of the altar guild for many
years. Dot also belonged to Beacon Lights for more than 40 years, a group
whose early members were instrumental in forming Waukesha’s first
library. The Beacon Lights’ focus on education, history and all manner
of assorted topics fit well with her insatiable curiosity and desire to
uncover new information. Here again, she served a term as its president.

Woven through all the years was her ever-present knitting and
needlepoint projects. She knit sweater after sweater for every family
member but was also always working on something to donate. In her earlier
years, she knit many items for the hospital gift shop. In her later years,
she knit several shawls for AngelsGrace Hospice and helmet liners for the
troops in Iraq. Dot patiently shared her vast knowledge by teaching
several classes in knitting and needlepoint at the YWCA and WCTC. Tennis
was another of her passions. She delighted in its physical demands and
competitiveness. She played social tennis with the intensity of a pro,
followed her grandchildren’s involvement in the sport, got the
opportunity to see a grandson play at Wimbledon and was still playing year
round into her 80s with women much younger than herself.

Although her heart and her life’s focus were on her family, Dot
always had a bag packed, ready to travel anywhere, anytime. She and Bob
saw most of the United States, visited many European countries, traveled
to Russia, China and even took an African safari. She listened intently to
the details of anyone else’s trip experience and happily watched travel
slides, her own or someone else’s. For Dot, there were always new vistas
to explore.

A memorial gathering celebrating her life will take place at the Retzer
Nature Center on Saturday, May 12, with visiting from 4 p.m. until the 6
p.m. family eulogy. Private interment at Prairie Home Cemetery in
Waukesha.

For more information, please call Randle-Dable Funeral Home at 547-4035
or go online to www.randledable.com
to leave a tribute.